I want a Busso-engined Alfa - but which one?

[ITP]

GTA's are really into the realm of second cars now. Not because they are not good as daily drivers, they are great (apart from abysmal mpg), but because of the issues mentioned above.
As they are increasing in value and some bits are tricky to source, bumpers, lights etc amongst other things, its a risky game exposing your pride and joy to the daily grind in case some muppet runs into you. You could be off the road for ages, or worse written off, waiting for bits. Then you'd be arguing over value with your insurance.
I put mine (147GTA, low miles, very nice cond) into webuyanycar for a laugh the other day.............1k
(BTW, apparently an ECU solution is available now for 3.2's though....at a price).

[CoolHands]

Looks like sellers can't sell the GT. look at this one, looks lovely but he's been trying to flog it for 3 months. 62000 miles, £6k.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

[Chris Type R]

CoolHands said:

Looks like sellers can't sell the GT. look at this one, looks lovely but he's been trying to flog it for 3 months. 62000 miles, £6k.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

That's a tidy colour combo, and on the face of it looks like a nice example.

Inspection aside I'd be looking at when last it had a cam-belt service, if it has a Q2 fitted (a worthwhile upgrade) .... and it's probably in the higher band of VED.

[Chris71]

Kicking myself this morning. I was rooting through my emails for something else and stumbled across my correspondence with the guy who was selling this one at the beginning of the year: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Alfa-Romeo-156-2-5-V6-20...

At the time I was principly looking for a GTV and it was right at the point the whole house buying thing came up. We were talking quite a bit less than the asking price listed there, it was apparently rust-free and even in the right colour combination. I'm coming to the conclusion somethng exactly like that would be the best option and six months later, I can't find one.

[robbo 2006]

CoolHands said:

Looks like sellers can't sell the GT. look at this one, looks lovely but he's been trying to flog it for 3 months. 62000 miles, £6k.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

Looks to be a good example. If your not fussed on spec that is. I'd be going for one with shark fin 18s on it, decent tyres and make 100% sure the paperwork shows it's a good example with all servicing up to date (and where it's been done)- the usual. It will require money being spent so you might as well get one that's in a good place to start with

Cheers,
Iain

[stuart_83]

I keep looking at a GT 3.2 as a second car ... They're pretty reasonable at the moment, and as many have said they'll just appreciate in value over the next few years.

Previously owned a GT JTDM and loved it - ok, it had a few (diesel related and suspension) issues, but it always felt fantastic to drive, and wierdly a bit special for a 10 year old diesel coupe! The seats were amazing, and much higher quality than any car I've sat in over the last few years.

Also, to repeat others, enormously practical.

Budget another £1-£2k once bought, and send it to a proper Alfa specialist for a look over / fix, sort some proper tyres and get the wheels refurbed / dings removed and you'll have a well sorted car that I guarantee you'll always look back at across a car park!

As long as they don't rocket in price I may take the plunge next summer.

Edited by stuart_83 on Thursday 10th August 21:53

[SturdyHSV]

Chris71 said:

ETA: It's more than I'd look to pay for a Twin Spark, but would you just look at this colour combination: http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

Yep, it's definitely the best colour combo (as every advert always seems to say )

[Chris71]

SturdyHSV said:

Chris71 said:

ETA: It's more than I'd look to pay for a Twin Spark, but would you just look at this colour combination: http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

Yep, it's definitely the best colour combo (as every advert always seems to say )

I'd quite happily take either of the red exterior colours with that trim too. I know it's a bit of an Italian car cliche, but I'd like something that can make a cloudy morning in Heathrow feel a bit more like the Futa Pass.

Back to practical considerations: Where would you look for a '90s Alfa? I'm keeping an eye on eBay, Autotrader, here and Alfa Book. Anywhere I've missed?

[Chris Type R]

Chris71 said:

I'd quite happily take either of the red exterior colours with that trim too. I know it's a bit of an Italian car cliche, but I'd like something that can make a cloudy morning in Heathrow feel a bit more like the Futa Pass.

Back to practical considerations: Where would you look for a '90s Alfa? I'm keeping an eye on eBay, Autotrader, here and Alfa Book. Anywhere I've missed?

Alfaowner.com ?

[viggyp]

Chris71 said:

I'd quite happily take either of the red exterior colours with that trim too. I know it's a bit of an Italian car cliche, but I'd like something that can make a cloudy morning in Heathrow feel a bit more like the Futa Pass.

Back to practical considerations: Where would you look for a '90s Alfa? I'm keeping an eye on eBay, Autotrader, here and Alfa Book. Anywhere I've missed?

Auto Italia magazine has an array of Alfa's for sale. eBay is a good place too.

[SeanST150]

Here's a pic of mine for 2 reasons. 1, to inspire you.
2, just to show off.

[Chris71]

SeanST150 said:

Here's a pic of mine for 2 reasons. 1, to inspire you.
2, just to show off.

Funnily enough, I did a search for 147 GTAs earlier. Out of budget, as feared (although, yes, a 2.5 Busso in a £1,500 156 looks very similar...)

[davebem]

2.5 inspiration, although I have to add the engine is not just about the looks!

[Chris Type R]

As we're doing bay pics, some 3.2.

[jamies30]

This was meant to be arty, but didn't really work out.

My engine isn't nearly as shiny as those posted above, but it is the right way round...

[V6Alfisti]

Having had a V6 GTV and a 1.9/2.0 GT and a 2.4/2.0 156, I have a bit of experience with these.

Simply put the GTV is by far the most special feeling, and it simply needs to have the V6 to make the package feel right. It is not the most practical however and a little more fragile that the GT/GTV gen, it also isn't quite as sharp steering wise. However easily the most enjoyable.

The GT is more modern, sharper to drive, and far more practical (boot space with seats folded down - frankly enormous for a Coupe/any car). The 2.0 JTS is unloved but I have always found them to be reliable units, with more torque than the TS (and much happier to rev than the 1.9 diesel). However again the winner for me here is the V6.

The 156 is very similar to the GT, just with a saloon body and a different dash. Same again with the 147 GTA.

Also in terms of the ECU failure thing, there are some threads about it....quite a few people have had success by resoldering on a capacitor on the mainboard...apparently it shakes itself loose but fixes the code/non start errors that signifies an ECU fail.

[Chris71]

davebem said:

2.5 inspiration, although I have to add the engine is not just about the looks!

Too right. It's quite clearly about the way it sounds.

I have no neighbours in the new place either, so I can be as antisocial as I like with the exhaust.

jamies30 said:

This was meant to be arty, but didn't really work out.

My engine isn't nearly as shiny as those posted above, but it is the right way round...

Stunning bit of kit. The last Alfa I went in was a friend's SZ around Castle Combe. They've always been one of my hero cars and it completely lived up to expectations. An Alfetta GTV6 would be a close second - and just about within reach once I've sold my TVR - but probably not suitable for daily all-weather use.

V6Alfisti said:

Simply put the GTV is by far the most special feeling, and it simply needs to have the V6 to make the package feel right. It is not the most practical however and a little more fragile that the GT/GTV gen, it also isn't quite as sharp steering wise. However easily the most enjoyable.

Realistically - Alfetta day dreaming aside - a GTV V6 is the ultimate goal. But I probably won't be able to afford a decent one until I've sold the Chimaera and that's likely to be next year now. In the meantime, I need something I can use as daily transport, so that's probably going to be a 156 V6, 166 V6 or a four-cylinder GTV or GT. Practicality isn't an issue, but comfort is a vague consideration as a lot of my driving is motorway miles.

[V6Alfisti]

Chris71 said:

Realistically - Alfetta day dreaming aside - a GTV V6 is the ultimate goal. But I probably won't be able to afford a decent one until I've sold the Chimaera and that's likely to be next year now. In the meantime, I need something I can use as daily transport, so that's probably going to be a 156 V6, 166 V6 or a four-cylinder GTV or GT. Practicality isn't an issue, but comfort is a vague consideration as a lot of my driving is motorway miles.

Ex Chimaera owner as well, all the Alfa's you mention will be fine for long distance comfort, although the GTV seats aren't the most supportive.

Thinking about it, I miss the GTV V6 more than I do the Chimaera (which even surprises me, now that I thought about it). Loved the Chimaera's sense of occasion and sheer noise.

[Chris71]

This is getting complicated. I've just checked my ISA and I'm not quite as poor as I thought. A GTV V6 might not be totally out of the question...

[will-w]